Press Release

Say No! to Uninvited Sales People

Up and down the country, the better weather usually sees people going door-to-door offering to do work on buildings, paths, driveways and gardens – but Trading Standards are reminding folk that doorstep calls from uninvited sales people probably won’t result in great bargains for consumers.

In many cases, they lead to complaints about high-pressure selling of over-priced and poor quality goods or services – which are very often neither needed nor wanted.

The law requires door-to-door sales people to give you a notice detailing your cancellation rights, the length of the cooling-off period within which you can cancel, and information on how you can cancel the contract.

All too often, though, rogue traders turn up at folk’s homes causing stress, worry and havoc for some of our most vulnerable householders and then disappear without leaving so much as an address.

Anyone wishing to report such activities can call the Safer Shetland Action Line on 01595 694544. This number is staffed every hour of every day, and the details will be passed to Trading Standards or the Police (depending on the nature of the incident) for appropriate attention.

The Trading Standards Service sent out No Uninvited Sales People! for a Safer Shetland packs to households throughout Shetland at the campaign launch in 2007, and they are still available – pick them up from the Council’s Grantfield office, or call 01595 744887 and they’ll send one out to you.

Councillor Jim Henry, the Council’s Environment Spokesperson, says: “This campaign has been very successful in deterring the rogue traders who caused problems throughout the islands. Let’s all continue to work together for a safer Shetland.”

If you’re looking to get work done on or around your property, Trading Standards advice is:

Ask friends and family if they can recommend a good contractor.

Compare quotes from several traders.

Get references, so you know you’re dealing with someone reputable and reliable.

Speak to previous customers, to check they’re happy with the quality of the work.

Make sure you have a written contract, detailing the work to be done and the price.